Contact: Margaret Kovar
Photo by: Russ Houston
STARKVILLE, Miss.--With ground broken Monday [Aug. 12] by Mississippi State and Starkville Area Habitat for Humanity volunteers, the fifth annual Maroon Edition Habitat for Humanity project is under way.
A service learning component of the university's Maroon Edition First-Year Reading Experience, this year's house is being built at 115 Beattie St. for Marcus and Raven Hendrix and their two children. Raven Hendrix is an employee at the university.
Kicking off construction was MSU President Mark E. Keenum, who drove the first nail into boards that will serve as part of the door frame.
"This is a fresh start in your lives, having a home for you and your family. A lot of work and a lot of prayer went into this to make this happen," Keenum said to the Hendrix family. "We are so appreciative of the community and everyone who helps with this."
Organizations throughout the community contributed funds for the project, including MSU's chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, the MSU Foundation, Maroon Edition students and Cadence Bank.
"Habitat for Humanity is such a great ministry and it has made Starkville a better community," said Carey Edwards, vice president, Cadence Bank.
Student and employee volunteers will work Fridays and Saturdays throughout the fall semester until completion. MSU's Maroon Volunteer Center coordinates the efforts.
For more information about the MSU Maroon Edition program, visit www.maroonedition.msstate.edu.